Antique birdcages are popular as decorative items.
Though stories suggest that birdcages have been around since the days of Alexander the Great, there is no actual known date for when they originated. The earliest found birdcages date back to the 17th century. Antique birdcages have been found made out of wicker, carved hardwood, bamboo and metal. Open wire cages were a popular design in the 18th century.
In the Garden
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the French were setting trends in home and garden design. French gardens were well-controlled and the sound of songbirds was an important element. Cages containing songbirds were hung in the trees. That way, guests of the garden would be able to hear the birds as they strolled through it. The cages were covered with foliage and leaves so that none of the guests could tell that the sounds weren't natural.
Fashion
As birdcages became more ornate in their design, they rose in popularity. In fashion, women's clothing began to take on more extravagant designs. Tall hats with elaborate feather centerpieces, bows and garlands graces the heads of women both in Europe and the United States. Small scenes actually built into a large hairdo became popular. They were often garden scenes and included miniature wire birdcages adorned with vines and flowers. Some bold women even completed the look with live birds inside these accessory cages.
Design
Eighteenth century birdcages are of the most ornate, intricate and awe inspiring in history. Designers, particularly in France and Germany, began to build birdcages that were exact replicas of actual buildings. They often took the shape of Palladian Style country mansions or famous buildings, such as the Taj Mahal. Dollhouse birdcages were popularized in the mid 1700s. These cages may or may not have held birds and were created for decorative indoor use.
Purchasing
Because of the unique qualities, amount of detail and attention that birdcages were given in the 18th century, they are still popular among antique collectors of the 21st century. To locate some, look in local newspapers, garage and estate sales for some of the better deals on these treasures. If the seller knows antiques, you are likely to pay a hefty price for an authentic, 18th century bird cage. Online auctions are another outlet for buyers looking to purchase historical birdcages.
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